KCRW’s July Volunteer of the Month!

It’s a cliché to say that someone is like a ray of sunshine, and that’s why I’m not saying that – oh no, no, no. I’m saying Joe Bowling, our current volunteer of the month, is sunshine. If you see him, as we do, coming down the hall with his thousand-watt smile, and his twinkly eyes, and you picture his head as an orb…well, then you may as well put on your sunglasses!

Where did you grow up and are you an only child?Well, my story starts in the relatively small town of Jacksonville, NC. Yes, the same Jacksonville as Ryan Adams. I am the oldest of three. I have a younger sister and a younger brother. I moved to L.A. in 2010 and the rest is HISTORY.

What is your current occupation?My current occupation is Office Manager of a non-profit organization, Sound Art, that does incredible work bringing music education to the thousands of kids in Los Angeles that do not have access to these programs in their schools. BIG shout out to my wonderful boss, the selfless and compassionate Ms. Catherine Goldwyn. Truly rewarding work and a pleasure to work for her.

What is your fantasy occupation?This one is a two-parter. 1) Starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs (I haven’t received any calls about this one).2) Stand-up Comedian and writer for a late night talk show. This one can happen! Come see my comedy show The Pull List at Hi De Ho Comics on 8/1 @ 8pm hosted by yours truly and my worst enemy Brodie Reed! (Please don’t edit this plug or all of my shout outs.)

When did you first discover KCRW?I first discovered KCRW at around 2am when I was flipping around and heard Brazilian music on FM radio. I’ve been hooked ever since.

How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?A mean girl broke up with me (Can you believe it?) and I needed to fill up my free time. I first volunteered at the Good Food pie contest held at LACMA. Best decision I ever made. The e-mail encouraged volunteers to wear clever aprons, so I decorated mine with the words “Cutie Pie”. Harriet Ells laughed. After that I did an internship through SMC.

What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?Right now I am a sound intern for Morning Becomes Eclectic during the live studio sessions. I get to work with the best sound engineers in the game and see great music every time I am in. I also do production assistance for the head honcho in the music library and all around great guy Mr. Eric J. Lawrence. How did I get this lucky! I have been at both positions for the better part of a year.

Favorite volunteer moment?Far and away the time I got to watch EJL interview one of my childhood heroes, LeVar Burton. I definitely teared up after that. From Reading Rainbow to Star Trek: The Next Generation, he helped shape me into the person I am today. I was lucky enough to hang out with him after and take a picture. DREAMS DO COME TRUE! (See pic)

If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?Guys…you forgot the host again.

What song have you hit repeat on lately?I don’t listen to music. Just kidding! I’m really into Bob Marley & The Wailers “Waiting In Vain”. Can’t get enough! (Behind the Scenes: I spelled this Vein and then went back and switched it. Close one!)

Favorite book, movieMy favorite book is The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway. My favorite movie is The Wolfman circa 1941.

Favorite thing to do outside the station?Stand-up Comedy, Dodger games (Viva Puig!), and singing in the shower.

What does KCRW mean to you?This, in all seriousness, is kind of unanswerable. I’ll try anyway. Over the last two years, KCRW has meant so many things to me in so many different ways. In short, this station has become my home. On top of that, the staff and my fellow volunteers are my family. These are the best people in the world. I love this station with all of my heart and will continue to work hard to make 89.9 the best that it can be in the future.

We had this time when we found ourselves short a couple of sound interns, you see, and Joe (lovely Joe) went out of his way and out of his bed at ungodly hours to come in and cover all these gaps. A lot of them! Almost daily! And he never complained, but instead, came in all smiles and good mornings and you almost didn’t need coffee just soaking up his energy. Thanks Joe! So glad you’re a part of the KCrew!

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